Pat Shingleton: Chester Did It!

Friday's column identified the difficulties of Chester Greenwood and his ears. His doctor determined that he and his ears were allergic to wool and very sensitive to cold weather. With some assistance from his grandmother, Chester solved the problem by looping two pieces of wire with fur sewn to the ends. According to the United States Patent Office, he patented a device that included a steel band, securing the fur pads, and called it Greenwood's Champion Ear Protectors, later forming the Greenwood Ear Protector Factory. We know them as "ear muffs" and Chester's hometown of Farmington, Maine is recognized as the Earmuff Capital of the World. Saturday, December 6th was the 140th year of the Ear Muff Parade.